# Canelo Álvarez vs. Jermell Charlo

Canelo Álvarez vs. Jermell Charlo, billed as Undisputed vs. Undisputed, was a professional boxing match contested on 30 September 2023, for the undisputed Super Middleweight championship.

## Background

After beating John Ryder on home soil in May 2023, Canelo Álvarez was linked to both undefeated former champion David Benavidez, Jermall Charlo, and a rematch with Light heavyweight champion Dmitry Bivol. On 23 June he confirmed a September return to the ring as well his switch to Premier Boxing Champions on a three-fight deal after choosing to part ways with Matchroom Sport.
Undisputed Light middleweight champion Jermell Charlo had been out of the ring since he unified the division in his rematch with Brian Castaño in May 2022. A planned bout with WBO mandatory Tim Tszyu on 29 January was postponed, following Charlo reporting that he had broken two bones in his left hand. Tszyu would subsequently win the Interim title and the WBO would order Charlo to defend their belt against Tszyu before September 30 or be stripped.
When, on 1 July, it was announced that Charlo would move up two divisions to face Álvarez, Tszyu, who it was reported only found out about Charlo's change of plans on social media, said on Instagram "Canelo ducks benavidez. Charlo ducks Tszyu".
Speaking before the bout Charlo said "I appreciate Canelo for accepting me, the little Charlo. But the little Charlo come to fight. The little Charlo come to win. That's what I'm here for. That's what I'm made for. I'm a warrior. I feel Canelo has never seen a fighter of my calibre. He's been in with a lot of great fighters, but there's something I bring different to the table than a lot of the fighters he's been in the ring with."

## The fight

Both fighters were cautious early, but from the second round Álvarez would largely control the pace the bout, backing Charlo into the ropes and landing heavy punches to the body. About minute into the 7th round, Álvarez sent Charlo on to his knee with a right hook and right uppercut. It was just the second time that Charlo had been knocked down in his career. Charlo beat the count but by the final appeared to be focused on just trying to survive and see the final bell.
At the end of 12 round all three judges scored the bout for Álvarez with scores of 119–108, 118–109 and 118–109 giving him a unanimous Decision victory.

## Aftermath

Speaking in the ring after the bout Álvarez said "I'm the best. Who's better? Nobody can beat this Canelo,"

## Undercard

Confirmed bouts:
| Winner | Loser | Weight division/title belt(s) disputed | Result |
| Erickson Lubin | Jesus Ramos | Vacant WBC Diamond Super welterweight title | Unanimous decision |
| Mario Barrios | Yordenis Ugás | WBC Interim World Welterweight title | Unanimous decision |
| Elijah Garcia | Jose Armando Resendiz | Middleweight (10 rounds) | 8th round TKO |
| Frank Sánchez | Scott Alexander | WBC Continental Americas Heavyweight title | 4th round RTD |
| Terrell Gausha | KeAndrae Leatherwood | Middleweight (8 rounds) | Majority decision |
| Oleksandr Gvozdyk | Isaac Rodrigues | Light heavyweight (8 rounds) | 2nd round KO |
| Preliminary bouts ||||
| Gabriel Gollaz Valenzuela | Yeis Gabriel Solano | Super lightweight (8 rounds) | 6th round KO |
| Bek Nurmaganbet | Abimbola Osundairo | Super middleweight (6 rounds) | 3rd round TKO |
| Justin Viloria | Angel Barrera | Super featherweight (6 rounds) | Unanimous decision |
| Abilkhan Amankul | Joeshon James | Middleweight (4 rounds) | Majority draw |
| Curmel Moton | Ezequiel Flores | Super featherweight (4 rounds) | 1st round TKO |

## Broadcasting

| Country | Broadcaster |
| Panama | Telemetro |
| Ireland | DAZN |
| United States | Showtime |